LENNON, who is currently in Brazil covering the World Cup, told Phil Neville and Rio Ferdinand that Twitter trolls were behind his decision to close down the account.

FORMER Celtic boss Neil Lennon revealed he was forced to quit Twitter because of online abuse.

Lennon’s personal account @OfficialNeil mysteriously vanished in December but he declined to comment on why he had signed off.

The 42-year-old, who appeared on Match of the Day following the Nigeria v Iran game, told fellow pundits Phil Neville and Rio Ferdinand that Twitter trolls were behind the decision, saying he received “a bit of abuse” through the social networking site.

The Northern Irishman is currently in Brazil covering the tournament for the BBC and Irish channel RTE after announcing his departure from the Glasgow club in May.

He is thought to be on the short-list of United Arab Emirates club Al Shabab Al Arabi as they search for a new manager.